Wheelsong Ambassadors

Wheelsong Books has appointed a number of brand ambassadors to represent its creative activities and humanitarian mission of poetry against poverty. 

The ambassadors have specific roles to play within their own communities, These include promotion of Wheelsong books and merchandise to raise funds for Save the Children, connecting with local poetry and literary groups in their own regions, and generally representing the company at all levels.

The Ambassadors also act as the management oversight for all of Wheelsong's commercial and fund raising activities. 

To learn more about the Ambassador programme, please email us at: wheelsong6@gmail.com

Steve Wheeler is an English poet, performance artist, musician and publisher whose work explores the human experience through, absurdity, vivid imagery, emotion and pithy observation. His poetry spans themes including love, nature, relationships, faith, society, poverty and the challenges of contemporary life. 

A committed advocate for spoken-word and performance poetry, Steve brings his work to life through live readings and events, connecting directly with audiences.

He is the founder of Wheelsong Books, an independent publishing venture supporting emerging and established poets and helping to bring new voices to a wider audience. 

Alonshide his writing, publications and performances, Steve has contributed to the development of several vibrant poetry communities, creating opportunities for poets to share their work and collaborate.

His published collections include eXp, The Infinte Now, RITE, My Little Eye and a text book titled Creative Deviance: How to become and experimental poet. His work reflects a lifelong passion for poetry as both a creative art form and a means of connection, communication and positive change. 

He describes himself wryly as a 'recovering academic' who now lives in the beautiful Ocean City of Plymouth, in South West England.

Matt Elmore is an American contemporary poet whose distinctive work combines rapid-fire rhythms, internal rhyme, wordplay and vivid, often surreal imagery. His poetry explores love, loss, spirituality, identity and the complexities of everyday life, balancing emotional depth with wit, energy and an unconventional approach to form. He resides in Kentucky, but was born in Illinois.

His debut collection, Constellation Road, was published in 2023, followed by Average Angel in 2024. Together, the collections establish a recognisable poetic voice that moves between playful language and more contemplative themes. Elmore is also a passionate advocate for poetry as a living, communal art form, participating in live performances, workshops and poetry initiatives that encourage writers to develop their own voices.

He has worked closely with Wheelsong Books and the Invisible Poets community, contributing to anthologies, events and initiatives designed to connect poets and audiences. His dynamic performance style has become an important part of his identity as a poet, bringing the pace, musicality and emotional intensity of his writing directly to live audiences. He is also valued for his encouragement of all members of the poetry community, and is constantly commenting on the work of others in our groups. 

Charlene Phare is a published poet, lyricist, literary critic and passionate advocate for the creative arts. Her work reflects a strong appreciation for emotional expression, imagery and the ability of poetry to connect people across cultures and experiences. Her debut poetry collection Cobalt Skies was published by Wheelsong Books in 2022. Alongside her own writing, Charlene has played an active role in supporting and encouraging other poets.

She is Ambassador Emerita (UK) for Wheelsong Books and, in 2023, co-founded Invisible Poets with poet Steve Wheeler. Together, they envisaged the community would provide a platform for writers to share their work, develop their creativity and connect with fellow poets through live performances, writing challenges and collaborative projects.

Charlene has also contributed as an editor to the Wheelsong Poetry Anthology series, helping showcase the work of poets from around the world. The anthologies bring together diverse voices and styles while supporting charitable causes through its proceeds.

Through her writing, mentoring and passionate support of the poetry community, Charlene continues to encourage creativity and help give emerging writers a wider audience. She resides in Devon, England.

Loris Loren is a contemporary poet and creative writer from Northumberland, England. His writings explores memory, identity, relationships and the complexities of the human experience. His poetry combines personal reflection with accessible, thoughtful imagery, often moving between intimate observations and wider questions about life and belonging.

Loris has shared his work through podcasts, anthologies and online poetry communities, including the You're the Poet podcast (USA), where he has appeared as both a featured poet and returning guest. His poems include Britain, Curveball, When I Go Out, In Memoriam, A Stroll Through Memory Lane, Wandering in Crisis and Nostalgia. He was appointed UK Ambassador for Wheelsong Books in 2026.

Loris is the creator of The Word Forge, a Discord community for novice writers, reflecting his commitment to encouraging creativity and providing opportunities for writers to connect and develop their work. His poetry has appeared in the Invisible Poets Anthology 4, published by Wheelsong Books.

Tara Lucy Hicks is a writer and passionate supporter of poetry who brings an international perspective to the creative community. With a background shaped by extensive travel, education and professional experience across different cultures, Tara has developed a strong appreciation for the power of words to connect people and give voice to diverse experiences.

In 2026, Tara joined Wheelsong Books as its Brand Ambassador for South Africa, supporting the organisation’s mission to promote unheard voices and new talent in poetry. Wheelsong Books combines its literary work with charitable fundraising for Save the Children, working under the banner “Poetry Against Poverty.”

Through her involvement with Wheelsong and Invisible Poets, Tara contributes to the wider poetry community by helping raise awareness of emerging writers and encouraging greater international engagement with contemporary poetry. 

Her role reflects a commitment to creativity, cultural connection and the belief that poetry can provide both a platform for new voices and a means of making a positive difference.

Linda Adelia Powers is a American poet residing in Virginia. She is a former academic who now writes to explore the fleeting moments, emotions and experiences that shape our lives. Her poetry reflects an interest in observation, memory and the inner terrains of everyday experience. She invites readers to pause and consider the significance that can be found in seemingly small, prosaic moments.

In 2026, Linda published her debut collection Blink, through Wheelsong Books. The collection places her voice within the growing landscape of independent poetry publishing and provides readers with an opportunity to experience her distinctive perspective and creative expression.

Through her poetry, Linda contributes to the continuing tradition of writers using concise, reflective and emotionally resonant language to explore the human experience. Blink represents an important milestone in her development as a published poet and introduces her work to a wider readership.

Linda was appointed as USA (South) Ambassadoe in 2026.

Gregory Richard Barden is an American poet whose distinctive work combines traditional poetic forms and classical language with a contemporary voice. He began writing poetry in 2016 and has developed a substantial body of work exploring romance, spirituality, nature, loss and the darker aspects of human experience. 

His poetry is characterised by rich imagery, metaphor, rhyme and an evident musicality, moving comfortably between structured forms and free verse.

His first collection, Melancholy Moon, was published in 2024, establishing his distinctive poetic voice and fascination with the moon as a recurring image. His second volume, Shadow of the Moon, expands that creative landscape through a more free-form approach, allowing his language and imagery greater freedom while continuing to explore love, life, death, spirituality, memory and the mysterious dimensions of human experience.

Together, the collections demonstrate Barden's versatility as a poet, bringing together formal craftsmanship and experimental free verse while creating an atmospheric, often darkly beautiful world of lyrical storytelling and introspection.

Greg currently resides in Maine, USA.